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Ask Catie: The Treasure Coast has questions about the coronavirus. We're answering them.

To provide our community with important public safety information, our newsroom is making stories related to the coronavirus free to read. To support important local journalism like this, please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

Your questions, our answers:

Q: What is the case and death count for Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties? How many tests have been administered?

A: There are now 314 cases on the Treasure Coast, according to Thursday night's (April 9) advisory from the state Department of Health. Six St. Lucie County residents and one from Martin County have died from COVID-19.

Vero Beach: 48

Sebastian: 5

Fellsmere: 1

Port St. Lucie: 106

Fort Pierce: 28

Stuart: 56

Palm City: 21

Jensen Beach: 8

Hobe Sound: 14

Indiantown: 7

Martin County has administered 1,011 tests. Indian River County has tested 876; and in St. Lucie County, 1,652 have been taken.

Q: Is spraying Lysol enough to kill the virus on surfaces, packages, etc.?

A: The CDC says most common EPA-registered (Environmental Protection Agency) household disinfectants should be effective in killing the coronavirus — including Lysol. A list of products that are approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available on the EPA's website.

Q: Does FPL have a plan to shut down the St. Luice nuclear power facility? Could the pandemic result in blackouts?

A: FPL does not anticipate any blackouts, spokesperson Peter Robbins said. All nuclear facilities are required to have detailed plans and procedures in place that consider a wide range of emergency scenarios, including pandemics. The power plant has limited access to its control centers to essential personnel only and put various procedures in place to limit the spread of the virus.

Q: Why are so many people out when we are supposed to be home? Is any one watching?

A: Under the stay-at-home order, people are allowed to be outside for exercise purposes (walking, biking, etc.) but must maintain social distancing guidelines and be at least 6-feet apart. Local law enforcement has stated it will increase patrolling for violators.

Q: Why are the front line staff not being tested? Can people with mild symptoms be tested?

A: The CDC has guidelines on who should be tested, but decisions about testing are at the discretion of state and local health departments and/or individual clinicians. The CDC does not advise testing for those with mild symptoms who can most likely recover at home. Healthcare workers and first repsonders showing no symptoms were ranked as a "priority three" to receive testing.

Q: Who qualifies for the CARES (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act benefits?

A: Based on your 2018 or 2019 tax return, any individual or couple whose adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 and $150,000, respectively, will receive compensation under the CARES Act. The rebate phases out at $50 for every $1,000 of income earned above those thresholds. There is also additional compensation for having dependents.

Q: What are considered essential businesses that are allowed to remain open under the stay-at-home order?

A: Here's a complete list of all essential businesses, which must institute social distancing practices:

Health care workers

Law enforcement and other first responders

Groceries, pharmacies and convenience stores

Restaurants serving take-out or delivery

Grocery delivery services

Gas stations

Banks and other financial institutions

Hardware stores

Mailing and shipping companies

Private colleges

Laundromats and dry cleaners

Pet supply stores

Office supply stores

Transportation services

Newspapers, radio, television or other media companies

Energy companies

Utility companies

Factories or other industrial manufacturing services

Sanitation services

Car dealerships

Hotels

Funeral homes

Marinas and other marina services

University and college dormitories

Firearm stores

Any business providing services to the government

Q: Is it true that there is a 30% false negative result on COVID-19 test results?

A: Preliminary research from China suggests the COVID-19 test that swabs the back of the patients' nasal cavity may give false-negative results about 30% of the time, the Boston Globe reported. The research has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Reasons a test can come back negative include:

The initial swab sample did not always collect enough genetic material to provide an accurate test

How the tests are processed in the laboratory or what specific chemicals are applied to each sample

Q: One of my family members works at Lawnwood (Reional Medical Center). I have really bad asthma, what should I do to protect myself?

Q: Is it OK to pick up a friend at the West Palm Beach airport while the isolation is in effect?

A: It depends. Per the Florida Department of Health guidelines and Florida Governor DeSantis Executive Order 20-82, all travelers originating from outside the State of Florida in areas with substantial community spread are required to isolate for 14 days.

Per the stay-at-home order, persons should not be visiting with friends or family unless it is an emergency. Ride sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are still operational.

Q: Can we still paint houses outside?

A: Yes, if it is your own home or you are operating under an essential business.

Q: What are the specific enforceable restrictions of a "safer at home" order?

A: Safer-at-home means Floridians are free to care for loved ones, run or bike outside, or dash to get groceries when necessary, all while practicing social distancing. The order also encourages businesses to offer delivery and carry-out services whenever possible, as restaurant dining rooms remain shuttered. The order makes clear that groups of 10 or more people aren’t allowed in public spaces. However, the faithful are permitted to worship in churches and synagogues.

A: “We are not aware of any reports at this time of human illnesses that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging,” the FDA said in a Feb. 27 statement. Most government agencies recommend simply washing fruits and vegetables under running water and scrubbing with a vegetable brush as needed. You also don’t want a drastic temperature difference between the produce and the water, because it could allow the produce to absorb any bacteria on the surface.

Q: Are dentist considered essential in Martin County? I ask because I think my dentist is closed.

A: Some dental services are considered essential. The American Dental Association and The Association of Dental Support Organizations have weighed in on what should constitute a trip to the dentist amid the coronavirus. It's up to a business' discretion to temporarily shut down or close, though.

Q: I was wondering if a flooring store is considered essential to be open at this time?

A: Along the Treasure Coast, non-essential businesses are still allowed to be operational — with the exception of restaurants and bars, gyms, movie theaters, etc. that the governor has already ordered to close. It is up to a business' discretion whether or not to shut down unless legally mandated.

Q: Why aren’t supermarkets limiting the number of people allowed in the store at one time?

A: According to a Vox article, it appears as though its a personal business decision. Some stores are limiting the amount of shoppers allowed in at one time, while others are installing six-feet-apart markings at checkout lines.

Q: How come golf courses are open on the Treasure Coast?

A: Each county has not forced golf courses to close. Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties have, though — driving many residents north to play. However, St. Lucie County commissioners ruled Tuesday that anyone playing golf must be alone in a cart. And PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie is limiting play on its three championship golf courses to club members and PGA members.

Five courses have closed:

Martin County Golf Course

Palm Cove

Fairwinds Golf Course

Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club

Sandridge Golf Course in Indian River County

Q: We have sold our house and were moving out of state. Can we continue to move?

A: It depends on where you're going. The American Moving and Storage Association recommends postponing your move until after the pandemic has passed if you are in a vulnerable group. However, the only restrictions on travel as it relates to Florida thus far include going to and from Louisiana and New York. Check local and state restrictions prior to moving.

Q: How many deaths are acceptable before Indian River County decides to shut down all non-essential businesses?

A: There is no standard or criteria used to determine such actions.

Q: Is garbage pickup going to be affected because of the coronavirus?

A: No. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that garbage collection is considered an essential business and its services would continue should a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order be enacted.

Q: Does Vero Beach have a stay at home order?

A: A statewide stay-at-home order was issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis and goes into effect on Friday, April 3, at 12:01 a.m.

Q: Why are arcades allowed to remain open and have more than 10 people gathered together?

A: Nonessential businesses, such as arcades, are allowed to remain open as of now; but Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an order banning gatherings of more than 10 people last week. Residents are advised to contact local law enforcement agencies to report violations.

Q: If my child's day care center is closed and schools are out, what options does a working parent have for a child who's too young to stay at home alone?

A: Whether working for home or reporting to the office, a parent's best option is to seek assistance through a babysitter or solicit a family members' help. Though some day cares remain open, it is unlikely the center will take in a child for a short term, as-needed basis. Local nonprofit agencies that also offer child care services have stopped services amid the coornavirus outbreak.

It's reasonable to be cautious of the health concerns associated with someone else looking over you child. The CDC recommends carefully considering who can provide for your child. For example, the agency recommends not soliciting an older person, or grandparent, to watch over them.

Q: If a person has had the virus and recovered, without being tested, is there a way to determine that they had it and hopefully, are not at risk of reinfection?

A: A study published on March 11, found that patients with the new coronavirus keep the pathogen in their respiratory tract for as long as 37 day and can be infectious for many weeks.

The CDC has not confirmed how long someone might be infectious. It has reported, though, that patients with SARS (another coronavirus) can be contagious up to 10 days after symptoms are gone.

Q: The government is talking about sending checks to the American citizens to help ease the financial burden that this pandemic is causing. How can this be allowed to happen? And what about people who are in debt?

A: The Senate reached a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus package Wednesday. It's necessity is based largely on the impact of consumer spending — which makes up about 70% of the economy.

The belief is that people, especially lower-income workers, who receive a financial boost will spend it on necessities like food and rent, helping them make those payments even if their hours are cut. That’s a huge infusion of cash into the economy.

The economy is almost certainly already in a recession, with Moody’s Analytics estimating gross domestic product will decline at a 2.2% annual rate in the current quarter. With the stimulus, the economy would contract by 17.4% in the second quarter and the chances of a more devastating downturn are sharply reduced.

Q: If you have a private access point to the beach, can you go on the beach in Fort Pierce/Hutchinson Island?

A: Condominium owners, beachfront homeowners and members of community associations that have a private access to the beach are allowed to enjoy their salt therapy uninterrupted, as long as there are no large groups.

Q: If a family member or loved one lives in Orange County, which has issued a stay-at-home order, can I still travel from Brevard County into Orange County and then from Orange County back to Brevard County?

Q: Why hasn't the governor asked the spring breakers and other non-residents to leave the state when they have obviously shown blatant disrespect for others on the news?

A: DeSantis allowed local government officials to take the lead on closing beaches that attract college-aged crowds, saying Monday that not all beaches attract the same groups of people. The governor has also recently taken measures to prevent people from coming into the state — issuing an executive order requiring travelers from the New York Tri-State Area to self-isolate for 14 days after flying into Florida airports. Violators could be charged criminally.

Q: Why are hospitals still performing elective surgeries?

A: The American Hospital Association said such decisions "should be determined at the local, community level in consultation with hospitals and the clinical recommendations of physicians and nurses."

Q: Are we going to be quarantined to our homes?

A: Gov. Ron DeSantis said he is weighing his options, including an executive order requiring all Floridians to shelter-in-place and limit nonessential services at a news conference on Monday.

Federal, state and local authorities are allowed to enforce isolation and quarantine within respective borders. There is no criteria to determine "when" a quarantine or isolation should be enforced. Federal, state and local authorities continue to monitor the situation and act as they see fit.

A federal, large-scale isolation and quarantine was last enforced during the influenza pandemic in 1918 and 1919, the CDC said.

Q: After 10 days of quarantine, I feel fine. Should I still be concerned or does it take 14 days to be sure?

A: Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus, the CDC says. Emergency warning signs associated with coronavirus that differ from other illness include trouble breathing and persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

Q: What if we do feel ill while social distancing, how do we handle this with our cats or dogs, and is it transmitted between cat to dog?

A: The CDC does not have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread or contract COVID-19. If you are sick with COVID-19, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.

Q: As a small business owner I would like some direction from our local officials. All I am being told is where to apply for a business loan, which is not my concern right now. How are officials going to help small businesses stay afloat?

A: The Small Business Association's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is providing small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Many banks have offered deferment and forbearance to business loan customers having trouble making payments. Florida has not yet announced a plan as other states (including Michigan, New York, California and Colorado) have.

Q: Will washing clothes kill the virus if it happened to be on their garments? If coming into contact with people, should clothing be immediately washed? Should I use hot water?

Evidence suggests that the coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials, which includes clothing, the CDC says. Polyester, spandex-like material may retain germs longer than breathable cotton-based fabrics, too. To kill the virus, it's best to use hot water and also run the dryer a bit longer to further expose it to heat.

Q: In the 19th Judicial Circuit, what is the status of jury trials after the 27th of March, 2020?

A: As of March 27, all in-person non-essential functions are canceled or postponed until further notice. Essential court proceedings will continue, which include:

Hearings on petitions for the appointment of an emergency temporary guardian;

Hearings on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders;

Involuntary commitment hearings under the Baker Act or Marchman Act;

Hearings on motions to set or modify monetary bond for defendants in custody;

Hearings on petitions for extraordinary writs as necessary to protect constitutional rights;

Criminal arraignments as necessary;

Issuance of warrants or authorization for wiretaps;

Other emergency or time-sensitive matters as determined by the presiding judge.

A change of plea hearing that results in release from county jail.

Questions about case status should be directed to the presiding judges and magistrates. Contact information is located on the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit’s website, circuit19.org/judges. You may also call 772-807-4370 or email publicinformation@circuit19.org

Q: What exactly is causing people to die from COVID-19?

A: The first symptoms of COVID-19 are pretty common with respiratory illnesses — fever, a dry cough and shortness of breath. But the new coronavirus attacks the lungs, and in about 20% of patients, infections can get more serious, NPR reported. The immune system's response to the invader can also destroy lung tissue and cause inflammation, commonly ending in pneumonia. That means the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, making it harder to breathe.

Q: Are there plans to close daycare centers? I know people rely on them (as they do public schools) but it seems like a huge risk to keep them open.

A: Unless mandated by the government, it's up to a businesses' discretion to decide whether or not to close its doors. The CDC recommends business owners consider the disease severity in the community where the business is located and check in with local health officials who issue guidance specific to their communities.

Q: If we move to “shelter-in-place” how would grocery shopping work? How many weeks do we need to have enough for?

A: A "shelter-in-place" order does have exemptions for "essential" activities, CNN reported. The shelter-in-place order that San Francisco adopted has exemptions for health, work, food and exercise. So, grocery stores are remaining open, and residents are allowed to go to such locations to buy necessary items needed to survive at home.

The truth is no one can predict how long social distancing, self-quarantining, or a possibly mandated quarantine may last. Exact quantities of supplies needed also differ based on number of family members, but the CDC recommends having at least two weeks of supplies handy. If possible, though, prepare for at least a month.

Q: How long does it take to get a COVID-19 test result back?

A: Test results can take up to 5 days to come back, according to Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. However, the sheer number of tests being conducted can alter that, and it may also affect which lab it is sent to for results, said spokesperson Scott Samples.

The hospital is performing drive-through testing at Martin North Hospital for COVID-19 by appointment only for individuals who meet the FDOH's criteria from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Q: Can the coronavirus live on mail or packages? If so, what is the best way to handle these items?

A: The virus that causes the coronavirus disease is stable for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel, the National Institutes of Health found. After coming in contact with such objects, the NIH recommends people wash their hands; avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Q: Will Social Security be able to continue to issue seniors their Social Security checks during and throughout the coronavirus pandemic?

A: For now, the Social Security Administration is continuing direct deposit payments as well as sending checks through USPS. The SSA is NOT providing in-person services.

"On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we suspended face-to-face service to the public in our field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic."

A: Florida bars and nightclubs must close for the next 30 days, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday. That was encompassing of any bar, pub and nightclub that derives more than 50% of its gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages. DeSantis' executive order also affected restaurants that now have to:

Catie Wegman is a community reporter who also produces "Ask Catie," an occasional feature to find answers to your burning questions about anything and everything — the more bizarre the better. Support her work with a TCPalm subscription. Contact her at catie.wegman@tcpalm.com or 772-221-4211 and follow her @Catie_Wegman on Twitter and @catiewegman1 on Facebook.